Here’s a brief overview of the changes made to the NYC compliance code over the last few months:

JULY

Elevator Compliance Filings to Launch in DOB NOW: Safety

In July, the DOB announced that as of September 17^th, 2018, all inspection/test reports and notifications for elevators and similar devices need to be submitted online via DOB NOW: Safety. (See September changes below for another update on elevator filings.).

Change in Safety Registration

Also in July, the DOB announced the following changes to safety registration:

All original applicants for Safety Registrations will need to submit the LIC7 application to srgc7@buildingsnyc.gov for review.

Applicants seeking Safety Registrations, including construction, concrete and/or demolition endorsement that will allow for construction permits of 4 stories or more, will need to schedule an appointment with the DOB’s Licensing & Exams Unit. You can schedule your appointment by calling (212) 393-2259

AUGUST

The Electrical Enforcement Inspections Unit Relocates

On Monday, August 6, the Electrical Enforcement Inspections Unit relocated to One Centre Street, 23rd Floor, Room 2342.

Limited Alteration Application (LAA) Filings to Launch in DOB NOW: Build

In August, the DOB announced that effective October 15, 2018, all new Limited Alteration Applications (LAA1) and Emergency Work Notifications (EWN) must be submitted on DOB NOW: Build. LAA filings submitted in DOB NOW will be permitted in real time.

New Online System for Plan Examination Appointments

Also in August, The DOB announced that it will launch an online self-service appointment system on October 1, 2018. The website will replace the current procedure of calling 311 to make appointments through the Plan Examination Notification System (PENS).

Follow Up to Service Notice on Elevator Compliance Filings

In a follow-up move to its announcement in July regarding elevator compliance filings, the DOB stated that paper elevator compliance filings will not be accepted after August 31. As of September 17, 2018, all paper elevator compliance filings must be submitted online via DOB NOW: Safety. (See September changes below for another update on elevator filings.).

SEPTEMBER

Several Central Units Relocate

On Monday, September 10^th, 2018, the following central units within the DOB relocated:

• AEU
• Central Cashier
• Central Filing and Billing
• Central Inspections
• LAA
• Licensing Units

The units relocated from the 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th floors of 280 Broadway to the 1^st floor of 280 Broadway.

Second Follow Up to Service Notice on Elevator Compliance Filings

To accommodate owners and industry members who are in the process of transitioning to DOB NOW, the DOB has announced that it will continue to allow paper filings of Elevator Compliance Notices in certain circumstances. The exact circumstances that warrant a paper filing can be found here. If your filings do not fit the requirements, you must submit them via DOB NOW: Safety as previously instructed. By 2019, all filings must be submitted in DOB NOW: Safety.

New Requirement: HPD Pilot Program Mandates Owners to Submit Required Documents to DOB

In accordance with Local Law 1 of 2018, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will develop a list of buildings identified as at-risk for tenant harassment for a new pilot program. The list will be effective as of September 28, 2018.

All owners of buildings on the HPD Pilot Program List will be required to submit a Certificate of No Harassment (CONH) or other HPD documentation to the DOB prior to obtaining approval or a work permit for covered categories of work.

The post What’s New at the DOB? appeared first on Jack Jaffa & Associates.

Q:What is DOB NOW?

A: In an effort to make the inspection process simpler for all those involved, DOB launched an online platform in 2015. You can now schedule virtually all of your inspections online, resulting in a more precise inspection schedule and a much improved tracking and notification system.

To make it even easier, you can also certify qualified objections electronically, thus eliminating the cost of re-inspections entirely. Money that stays in your pocket is always a good thing!

Q: Do I need to schedule my inspections via DOB NOW?

 A: All licensed professionals and property owners are now required to use DOB NOW. Snail mail and even email requests are so last century!

Remember, though, that in order to request and schedule an inspection, you must first register for an account. To register, simply visit the DOB NOW Inspections website, click on the link to register for DOB Now: Inspections, then click on “New Users: Register for an Account” and follow instructions until you’re all set up!

Important: Use the email address that is listed in Section 26 of your PW1 filings when registering for DOB NOW: Inspections. We know you keep changing your email address to escape those super annoying spammers, but the city needs to know exactly who you are.

Q: Which areas require development inspections?

A: You are obligated to request inspections in the following areas:

• Electrical Signs
• Fire Suppression
• Boilers
• Construction Cranes & Derricks
• Elevators
• BPP
• Oil Burning Equipment
• Sustainability
• Plumbing
• High Rise Initiative

Q: Are there any other kinds of inspections I can schedule through DOB NOW: Inspections?

A: You can schedule almost any kind of inspection you can think of, even if it isn’t required, including Builders Pavement Plans, Electrical, House Connections and more.

Q: Can anyone request an inspection?

A: Any NY citizen is allowed to register for an inspection, but all licensees, registered architects, and professional engineers are required to request inspections. Note the word exchange in the above sentence; it makes all the difference!

Q: I’m having trouble registering for the DOB NOW: Inspections. What can I do now?

A: No worries; you’re not the only one who is technologically challenged.

To help ease the hassle of inspections for those finding the process too complicated to navigate on their own, the DOB has set up kiosks in each Borough Office in NY. At these locations, you’ll find assistance from the DOB staff. They’ll guide you through the registration process and even help you link our PIN in DOB NOW: Inspections. It’s the perfect solution for those who prefer humans over machines.

Here’s where you’ll find these kiosks:

• The Bronx:

Bronx Borough Office

1932 Arthur Avenue, 5th Floor

Kiosk location: Old Certificate of Occupancy Room

• Brooklyn

Brooklyn Borough Office

210 Joralemon St, 8th Floor

Kiosk location: Application Processing waiting area

• Manhattan

Manhattan Borough Office

280 Broadway, 4th Floor

Kiosk location #1: Construction/Electrical/Plumbing Inspection waiting area

Kiosk location #2: Elevators/Boilers public waiting area

• Queens

Queens Borough Office

120-55 Queens Blvd

Kiosk location: Inspections Counter, 1st Floor

• Staten Island

Staten Island Borough Office

10 Richmond Terrace, 2nd Floor

Kiosk location: 3rd Floor Inspections

Q: Are there any other resources to assist me with using DOB NOW: Inspections?

A: While you can find many resources online, including from the DOB website itself, we’ve recently compiled everything you need to know about all NYC codes and inspections in our Compliance deFINEd, a comprehensive, yet easily understandable overview to help you navigate the complexities of NYC compliance. Download your free copy today!  Or just give Jaffa a call to clarify any questions you may have about your compliance or inspections.

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